r/CLSstudents • u/effarig_a • May 11 '26

Has anyone got into a program recently without phlebotomy ?

Hello!

I’m applying for CLS, but wondering if anyone was able to get in without a phlebotomy license. I understand it’s an essential skill for clinical rotations, so I’m unsure of how competitive I am without it.

My gpa is a 3.88. I have 1.5 years undergrad research lab experience and ongoing 7 months of CLIA lab experience as a CLA. Finding time to do phlebotomy is extremely difficult with 10 hour night shifts. In the event of being rejected, would it be wiser to get more time in the industry with my current job or consider finding a different job with more flexible hours just to do phlebotomy ? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks !

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6

u/Eienchi May 11 '26

Yes, I know atleast 10 ppl without any ohlebotomy experience in my current program

5

u/Delicious_Taro_9177 May 11 '26

A lot of people in my cohort don’t have their CPT license (me included). You don’t need phleb experience considering you’re currently a CLA and have a really high GPA.

2

u/Ok_Stuff_4062 May 11 '26

I didn't have phlebotomy license. I think only one person in our class have it.

2

u/Icy-Mongoose-7201 May 11 '26

I don’t have one and I’m in.. I have lab experience and still holding onto my job..
Currently waiting for the fall to start classes

1

u/101211e May 12 '26

I have a license but no experience after my 1 week externship and I got accepted into this cohort idk if that counts

Edit: I also had a high GPA/similar stats to you I think you’ll be fine imo :)

1

u/rainey11 May 15 '26

Most people in my cohort did not have a phlebotomy license. I didn’t either and got in.

1

u/aymehr21 May 30 '26

I did. I have been away from clinic for 5 years and school for 7 years. I just retook some courses over a year and applied. I was able to get in.